Human joints come in many shapes and sizes and allow us to move and carry out normal activities of daily living. Without joints, we would be rigid and immobile. But they are also often injured, causing pain and discomfort. The most commonly injured joints are the knees, shoulders, ankles and spine. Approximately 30 million doctor visits a year are due to knee and shoulder injuries alone. Some 150 million to 200 million cases of back pain send people to the doctor every year—and many of those are related to joint injuries. Most sports-related injuries involve damage to the joints.

Common joint injuries include a twisted ankle, sprained wrist, overextended elbow, and damaged knee ligaments. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent joint damage.

Common injuries
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of a ligament, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Ligaments join one bone to another. Sprains can be caused by a fall, twist, or blow to the joint.

A strain is a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle or tendon, according to NIAMS. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Strains are not caused by a blow or fall, but by a muscle or tendon stretching or contracting more than normal. Ankle and wrist joints are especially susceptible to strain and sprains.

Knee injuries also are common. They can range from mild to severe, and the pain can be at the front, inside, or outside of the knee. Normal wear and tear over time can cause degeneration of the cartilage in the knee.

A chiropractor is trained to diagnose and treat injuries of the knee and other joints, and restore function, even when wear and tear factor heavily into the equation.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.